Cruise Talk: Sunbird/Song of America

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»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Ships » Sunbird/Song of America

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Topic: Sunbird/Song of America

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 12-16-1999 07:00 PM

Anyone been on this ship? I have heard so many good reviews of this ship and am planning to cruise on her in summer 2000. Is there anything major I should know about her, and how would you all rate her?

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Barryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 33

posted 12-18-1999 12:37 PM

I lived on the ship when she was the Song of America for six months and I enjoyed her. Very nice ship! Small cabins, crazy color schemes in the Can Can Lounge and the Oaklahoma Lounge, but a very pleasant ship. I don't know what she's like now as the Sunbird though. I heard they added some cabins somewhere but I don't know where. I have fond memories of this ship, It would be interesting to see her again sometime.
Barryboat

Posts: 1851 | From: Bloomington, Minnesota (Home to the Mall of America) | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 12-18-1999 01:27 PM

the new cabins as far as I know are located over the bridge. they are "penthouse suites" nd look very nice in the brochure.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

garrys
First Class Passenger
Member # 581

posted 12-18-1999 02:07 PM

Paddy

In Feb 2000 my wife and I will be doing the two weeker around the Carribean, staying in the above mentioned "Penthouse Suites", I will post a reply letting you know our views.

As we are in our middle to late twenties obviously our view will be from the younger generation of cruisers.

Only 7 1/2 weeks to go ...............!!

Posts: 47 | From: Ipswich, Suffolk, England | Registered: Jun 99 | IP: Logged

Steve Read (sread)
First Class Passenger
Member # 788

posted 12-20-1999 02:39 PM

I was in a penthouse (9007) on Sunbird last month. Excellent. The butler is a lad called Augustin who is brilliant ... I was standing up on deck looking for a sunbed one day and he went and got me one (to the dismay of other sunbed-seekers!). Great views over the bridge wings, loads of space, a bed that's wider than it is long and you're only a few steps from the mast bar!

Posts: 926 | From: Locksbottom, Kent, England | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

DENNIS
Just Boarded
Member # 963

posted 12-20-1999 03:03 PM

My experience on the Sunbird in November 1999 was poor. Organization, passenger care, meals were below par and not a ship for non-smokers. Response from the tour operator was basically read the brochure more carefully before joining a ship in their jurisdiction.

Posts: 1 | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Steve Read (sread)
First Class Passenger
Member # 788

posted 12-21-1999 09:20 AM

I entirely disagree, especially re the smoking (well I would, I gasp through 20-a-day!) All smokers get are two small corners at the back of the huge Can Can lounge, likewise in the Oklahoma lounge, and a couple of tables in the Piano Bar. The Chart Room (the odd place perched on the smokestack) is publicised as a cigar smokers' haven but even then half the tables had No Smoking signs on them. I wonder whether Dennis would be better on a ship dedicated entirely to anti-gaspers! As far as passenger care, meals etc, are concerned I thought it was excellent, especially for the price.

Posts: 926 | From: Locksbottom, Kent, England | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

topgun
First Class Passenger
Member # 928

posted 12-21-1999 12:41 PM

sread, while I agree with the points you make, I believe that Dennis has raised a valid issue. If you have a problem and want to air it, try solving it by contacting the Cruise line or tour operator. Its like trying to contact a brick wall. I worked in the travel business for a short time. I found it to be one of the most cutthroat and unethical businesses on the globe. I would imagine that a company such as Carnival must be ruthless. Unfortunately thats what it takes to win.This isnt something new.

[This message has been edited by topgun (edited 12-21-1999).]

Posts: 759 | From: Burlington ont,canada Cruise center of North America | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

SueC
Just Boarded
Member # 964

posted 12-21-1999 07:51 PM

Hi Sread,

Did you have one of the penthouse suites that has windows looking over the front, or one of the side ones?

We hope to get one of those with a front view, but have not been allocated yet.

Are you allowed to have sunbeds on the balcony?

I'm glad about the smoking thing, although not so happy to be shoved to the back in the lounges, Ah well such is life I suppose.

Can you smoke in Harry o's bar (I believe this is a new bar), and can you sit on stools at the bars in the lounges?..................loads of questions, but maybe I can get some answers here coz I sure can't anywhere else.

Smashing forum by the way!!

Posts: 4 | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Sunseeker
First Class Passenger
Member # 438

posted 01-06-2000 12:05 AM

I loved the Song of America. Does anyone know whether or not the new Sunbird was able to keep the Viking Crown Lounge? It was our favorite VCL in the RCCL fleet. Smaller and more "congenial" (sp?) than those that came on the larger ships.

Posts: 19 | From: Central California | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

topgun2
First Class Passenger
Member # 975

posted 01-06-2000 09:24 AM

Yes, the Crown Lounge is still there. The structure is probably too massive to remove.

Posts: 26 | From: burlington,ont,can | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Steve Read (sread)
First Class Passenger
Member # 788

posted 01-10-2000 08:32 AM

SueC I've only just read your questions, hope the answer's not too late...
Room was on the starboard side overlooking the bridge wing. Superb. Had a peek in the two forward ones and they were about the same. Yes okay to put sunbeds on the balcony.
Harry's Bar is 50-50 smoking.

Posts: 926 | From: Locksbottom, Kent, England | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

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